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Why does alpha radiation cause damage to cells inside the human body?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Alpha radiation can cause damage to human cells by breaking chains of DNA inside the cell. If only one of the strands of DNA is broken then it should be possible to repair the molecule, although this is not possible if both DNA strands are broken.
Permanent damage to DNA does not always lead to cell death. An irradiated cell can divide uncontrollably, resulting in cancer.
Any mutations that occur in sex cells may be passed on to subsequent generations, leading to a greater chance of genetic disease.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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What are the negative facts about UV?
UV Radiation is that found in sunlight. A negative of this is that it can cause damage to the skin and can pose a greater risk for skin cancer.If you have overexposure it can also damage the eyes and cause a greater risk for cataracts.
What can radiation cause?
Radiation can cause sunburn, cancer, genetic mutation.
What damage can a 9 mm handgun do to the head chest and addomen?
A 9 mm handgun can cause a lot of damage to someone's chest and abdomen. A 9 mm handgun and kill someone.
What caused 81 billion dollars of damage?
Hurricane Katrina, a storm that the United States in August of 2005 cause about $81 billion in damage, marking it as the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
Why is cushion materials used in collision?
By getting compressed, the cushioning material absorbs some of the energy of the collision. This leaves less force to cause injury or damage.
Why is alpha radiation so deadly to humans?
It is only deadly if ingested. The skin will stop alpha radiation. It does not have much penetrating power. When inside the body it can cause cellular damage which can lead to cancer.
Why do alpha and beta particles cause more damage if they are inside the?
Because alpha and beta particles do not have enough power to pass into the body, but they do more damage than gamma rays once they are inside the body.
IS Alpha particles dangerous in regards to external exposure?
Usually, no. Alpha particles may be able to cause a lot of damage if they can get inside you, but they can easily be stopped by a piece of paper.
What are some ways in which radioactive elements can be dangerous?
Radiation, even in small doses, can cause cancer in humans and other living things Alpha radiation is responsible for most of the damage of DNA in living cells
Do Alpha waves cause cancer?
By alpha waves I asume you mean alpha radiation. An alpha particle is two protons + two neutrons so it is heavy, and will do damage to body tissues, however it has to be ingested (taken inside the body) to do serious harm as it can then attack sensitive tissues. If enough is ingested it can cause illness and death very quickly(cf the Russian killed in London in 2007 by Polonium poisoning), but a smaller dose could cause cancer over a longer time scale.
What is Alpha radiation stopped by?
Alpha particles are the strongest of the three known types of radiation (alpha, beta, & gamma). Although the strongest, the alpha particles are the least penetrating.They do not tend to penetrate any substance.A well-known example is your skin. Alpha particles do not penetrate your skin barrier. However, alpha particles energy is high and is a cause of skin cancer and genetic mutations.
Which type of radiation can cause the most damage to cells in the body?
neutron radiation
What is the effect from a radiation?
the radiation can cause the brain damage so it is really hamful.
Beta radiation used rather than alpha or gamma radiation in this paper thickness equipment?
beta radiation used in this paper thickness equipment because alpha and gamma are very strong radiation which can not be used for paper thickness equipment such as paper are used by every one and it could cause radiation if other nuclear radiation like alpha and gamma are used.
What type of radiation is only a hazard when inhaled or ingested?
Although there are many forms of "radiation" when assessing radiation hazards we usually think in terms of just three forms of radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma. Of these, alpha radiation is only a hazard if a source is inhaled or ingested - the other two are a hazard even without inhalation or ingestion. In general, external alpha radiation is not harmful since alpha particles are effectively shielded by a few centimeters of air, a piece of paper, or the thin layer of dead skin cells. On the other hand, if you inhale or ingest an alpha emitter, it can cause significant damage if the radiation is intense enough. Beta particles (electrons) are more penetrating, but still can be absorbed by a few millimeters of aluminum. Whatever harm beta radiation can cause, it doesn't have to be inhaled or ingested to do it. Gamma radiation is the most penetrating - that's the kind of radiation we usually think of using lead to shield us from. Again, gamma radiation is a hazard whether or not you inhale or ingest it.
Which type of radiation can cause the most damage to the cells in the body?
The strongest type of radiation of course.
Does sunblock help against nuclear radiation?
Sunblock is made to block Ultraviolet radiation. Nuclear radiation, or Gamma radiation, is much more energetic and will easily penetrate zinc oxide sunblock, walls, and most everything else except several feet of concrete or a few inches of lead. In addition to Gamma radiation, nuclear reactions also give off less energetic particles called Alpha and Beta particles which can be inhaled and cause damage, which is why the Japanese are wearing wet wipes inside their face masks.
